The Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx) creates and manages residencies at the intersections of arts, humanities, science and technology at Oregon State University. Our residencies take many shapes—from unplugged solo retreats in the woods to collaborative projects in research labs, field stations and interdisciplinary settings. We work with each resident to co-create an experience that is supportive and generative.
Whether you are a musician or visual artist fascinated by the idea of long-term engagement with a science or engineering lab, a writer craving a couple of weeks at a quiet cabin, or a humanities scholar wanting to bring together a dream team of collaborators, we invite you to browse our opportunities, explore our residency locations and learn about our initiatives to find the residencies or fellowships that meet your needs.
Our open submissions are listed below.
What is Polar STEAM for Artists & Writers?
Polar STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, is not just a national program but a journey for all of us to get closer to what is so physically distant, to understand the Polar regions and its people, and to commit to share what we learn with the world so others too can let their curiosity thrive.
The Antarctic Artists & Writers program facilitates deployments to the Antarctic for creative practitioners within the arts and humanities. Collaborations between polar researchers and artists and writers help increase the public’s understanding of and appreciation for human and scientific endeavors in Antarctica through the resulting works. Polar STEAM welcomes applications from working artists, writers, and creative practitioners in a variety of genres, from traditional to experimental. You can view 2025–26 fellows as well as those from past years on the website.
This application is for four to eight weeks during the 2026–27 Antarctic summer season, typically October through February, with a possible option for early season (August through September). In the past two seasons, deployments have been 6-8 weeks in length.
Because the potential creative scope of projects will be determined in part by logistical considerations in the remote Antarctic environment, we strongly encourage applicants to attend the informational webinar on Wednesday, April 30 at 2PM Pacific or to view the recording in order to prepare the strongest possible application. Information about the webinar is posted on the "Apply Now" page of the Polar STEAM website.
Before applying, please read the FAQs on the Polar STEAM website.